Museums within walking distance:

The Bass Museum is located less than 1 mile away at 2121 Park Avenue (between 21st and 22nd Streets). The Bass offers a variety of European art including paintings and sculptures, in addition to a permanent collection of Medieval and Renaissance art. Throughout the year there are many temporary exhibits on other types of art such as American, Asian, and contemporary. At the museum visitor can enjoy the additional amenities offered such as the media center, the café, and museum shop.
The Bass Museum of Art

The Wolfsonian is located a few blocks away at 1001 Washington Avenue, in the heart of the Art Deco District; this museum showcases American and European decorative and fine arts produced between 1885 and 1945. Renowned among the collection are propaganda posters and World's Fair memorabilia. This museum offers a fantastic journey through the American and European culture of the early 20th Century.
The Wolfsonian

The Art Deco Historic District & Art Deco Welcome Center is the largest 20th Century National Register Historic District in the U.S. and it features more than 700 historic buildings, most built between 1933 and 1949. The Miami Design Preservation League established in 1976 has encouraged restoration of the decaying area, and as a result of the efforts of the league, in 1979 the Art Deco District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guided tours are a wonderful way to get a more in depth appreciation of South Beach's beautifully restored Art Deco architecture and ambiance.

The Holocaust Memorial located at 1933 Meridian Avenue is an inspiring memorial that pays tribute to the 6 million Jews who lost their lives in World War II. This inspirational Memorial was designed by Kenneth Treister F.A.I.A. The monument is surrounded by walls of a tunnel-like passage where images of the death camps are displayed, and a memorial wall with names of victims.
The Holocaust Memorial

The Jewish Museum of Florida located at 301 Washington Avenue is the home of MOSAIC. The museum is in a former synagogue that housed Miami Beach's first congregation. Built in 1936 and on the National Register of Historic Places, the building -- that underwent a two-year restoration of $1.5 million -- boasts Art Deco features, a copper dome, a marble bimah and 80 stained-glass windows.
Jewish Museum of Florida

Museums Elsewhere in Miami-Dade County :

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (8.4 miles) was formerly owned by the industrialist James Deering. Today this 10-acre Italian Renaissance-style estate is a National Historic Landmark and a museum owned by Miami-Dade County and accredited by the American Association of Museums. Vizcaya is open to the public 364 days each year, where thousands of tourists and locals visit to the serene and stunningly beautiful retreat in the heart of Miami.Today, this extraordinary European-inspired estate includes a Main House filled with art and furnishings, ten acres of gardens with pools and fountains overlooking Biscayne Bay, a hardwood hammock (native forest), and an historic village. The stunning beauty of Vizcaya makes it a must-see attraction.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

The Museum of Contemporary Art (13.5 miles) located in North Miami, is known for its provocative and innovative exhibitions, and for seeking a fresh approach in examining the art of our time. MOCA maintains an active exhibition schedule, presenting 8 to 10 exhibitions annually, and has a permanent collection with more than 400 works by emerging and established contemporary artists. MOCA also offers a diverse range of educational and cultural programs.
Museum of Contemporary Art

The Miami Art Museum (6.4 miles) is one of the three showpieces of the Miami-Dade cultural center. The museum exhibits, collects, preserves and interprets international art of the western hemisphere. The focus is on works from the 1940s to the present, complemented by art from other eras for historical perspective.
Miami Art Museum

Unique Sites in Miami-Dade County :

Throughout Miami-Dade there are buildings that boast the most exotic architectural designs and styles ranging from Spanish, Moorish, Caribbean or post-modern. Guided tours are available.

The Deering Estate at Cutler (24 Miles, 45 minutes), features over 420 acres including endangered natural areas and archaeological sites.
Deering Estate

The Church of St. Bernard de Clairvaux is a historical gem located on the North side of Miami Beach. A Spanish monastery built between 1133 and 1141 in Spain the church was brought to the U.S. by William Randolph Hearst in the 1920s and it is now open as a public attraction filled with original art and religious artifacts.

Everglades National Park is a National Preserve and a vital part of South Florida’s ecosystem and heritage. It is located approximately 1 hr., or 45 miles away from Miami Beach, and it is an immense natural paradise home to countless species of flora and fauna. At the Everglades guests will find over 350 species of birds including the anhinga, ibis and the rare bald eagle. Alligators, turtles, insects, and many more animals can be found. Take a guided air-boat ride through the mangroves and marshes that support the life cycle in South Florida.
Everglades National Park

Fairchild Tropical Garden (30 minutes, 16 miles) is the largest tropical botanical garden in the United States and is located in nearby Coral Gables. Established in 1938, Fairchild is home to 83 acres of fauna from around the world, including 800 species of palms, a 1.3-acre rainforest and various endangered species. The garden features a new 13,000-square-foot Visitor Center, a conservatory, a museum of plant exploration, vine pergola, sunken garden, winding paths, 11 lakes, lily ponds, overlooks, vistas and an outdoor tropical rainforest. Narrated tram tours are offered, in addition to self-guided tours and programs in environmental education, conservation and horticulture.
Fairchild Tropical Garden

Miami’s Fruit and Spice Park (55 minutes, 42 miles), is paradise for those who enjoy gastronomic experiences. Established in 1944, this fabulous 35-acre park features exotic fruits, spices, vegetables, fruit, nuts and over 100 varieties of citrus.
Miami Fruit & Spice Park

Family Entertainment Sites :

Parrot Jungle Island
An exotic animal theme park located between Downtown Miami and South Beach on Watson Island, this world destination features thousands of exotic animals, three interactive shows, diverse exhibits and vibrant horticulture.
Parrot Jungle Island

Miami Children's Museum
Located directly across from The Parrot Jungle Island this museum features bilingual, interactive exhibits and learning materials pertaining the arts, culture, and community, a great place for kids to play together, learn, imagine and create. This 56,500 square-foot facility features 12 galleries of exhibits including The Bank featuring a six-foot piggy bank and a place to design your own money, and The Television Studio where kids can become camera operators, news anchor or a weather reporter.
Miami Children's Museum

Miami Seaquarium
Located on Key Biscayne (19 minutes, 11 miles), this 38 acre of venue features great shows and exhibits. Exciting shows, great exhibits and enjoyable educational presentations in a beautifully landscaped park overlooking Biscayne Bay make Miami Seaquarium a great family entertainment destination. The Seaquarim is the home of Lolita, the Killer Whale and Flipper the TV superstar. The park also features an exciting two-hour program lets you slip into a wet suit and enter the world-famous Flipper Lagoon for an up-close encounter with dolphins.
Miami Seaquarium

Miami Metro Zoo (37 minutes, 25 miles)
Ranks as one of the best 10 zoos in the U.S., this 300-acre cageless zoo showcases more than 1,300 animals, representing more than 400 species from around the world. Among its featured exhibitions are the Wings of Asia Aviary, Dr. Wilde's World, Children's Zoo, Wildlife Carousel, Guided Tram Tours, and Zookeeper Talks.
Miami Metro Zoo

Monkey Jungle
The exotic destination “where humans are caged and monkeys run wild” is located in South Miami-Dade County (50 minutes, 33 miles). Here you will explore the exotic of South America, Asia and Africa in South Florida. Witness crab-eating monkeys diving for treats or probe into the blossoming, tropical Amazonian rain forest filled with hundreds of exotic monkeys. In addition, the park also contains one of the richest fossil deposits in Southern Florida, with more than 5,000 specimens.
Monkey Jungle